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Aphrodisiacs are foods that are meant to get you in the mood.

But do they work? The science on this is still inconclusive unfortunately. But for all of you ladies who are suffering from a low libido due to the menopause, don’t get discouraged! While no particular food has been scientifically proven to increase your libido, a diet that is high in antioxidants can help. An antioxidant-rich diet can help increase your circulation, open up your blood vessels and help make you stronger and more flexible. Better blood flow in your system affects you everywhere! This means that the blood and oxygen can circulate around your vagina making you more sensitive to sexual sensations. We take a look at some foods that can make you feel healthier on the inside and more in the mood for love.

Dark Chocolate

You might have already heard that chocolate makes you feel like you’re in love. This is because chocolate has special chemicals in it called anandamide and phenylethylamine, which improve the production of serotonin in your brain. They are sometimes even called the “feel-good” hormones as they are the same chemicals that are released when you fall in love.

Dark chocolate is best as it contains more nutrients – including more antioxidants. This makes dark chocolate better for anyone suffering from inflammation and heart disease. As a general rule, the higher the cocoa in the chocolate, the more antioxidants it contains.

Berries

Strawberries, blackberries, cranberries. You can never really go wrong with them. All are great for vitamins and are a great source of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid and resveratrol. Anthocyanins are great for helping your memory stay sharp (anyone else suffer from foggy brain?) and resveratrol promotes anti-aging within the body.

Blueberries in particular are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Like all antioxidant-rich foods, blueberries can help reduce inflammation, reduce cholesterol and help regulate blood pressure. All this will help improve your energy and stamina, which of course you can always use in the bedroom.

Nuts

No, not those kinds of nuts. Walnuts and almonds are a prime source of essential fatty acids like omega-3. These fatty acids act as a foundation for your body to produce estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. This is especially important for women going through the menopause, as our bodies start produce less estrogen. This is why some women may find their libidos decreasing, as estrogen plays a vital role in sexuality by intensifying sensations and keeping our vaginas lubricated. By helping our bodies produce these hormones, you might find that your sexual desire will start to build back up.

Watermelon

From the sexy, deep pink colour to the vitamins and nutrients it’s full of, watermelon is a great fruit to consider when looking to boost your libido and improve your general health. What makes watermelon unique is that it has an amino acid called citrulline. This chemical relaxes our blood vessels, actually giving us a basic yet similar effect to viagra. Apart from this, the citrulline helps our general heart health and reduces fatigue.

Like a lot of fruit, the vitamins are more contracted closer to the skin. So, when eating the watermelon try your best to eat closer to the rind as well as tucking into the sweeter centre.

Fish

Among the most common seafoods used as aphrodisiacs are oysters, however, fish such as salmon are high in essential fatty acids. Now salmon might not be the sexist of foods, but it is an excellent source of protein, which will help with stamina.

Salmon has vitamins A, D, B and calcium making it essential for not only your sexual health, but general heath. It has also been proven to increase serotonin production, which will help you feel happier and might make it easier to get in the mood.

Remember, you have to show your body the same love that you want to show your partner. There’s never one quick fix with the menopause. In order to really help any symptoms you are suffering with, be kind and patient with yourself.

MEG’S TIP OF THE WEEK

“Ladies, the reality is that some days are just not going to be that great. The best thing you can do on those days is to go with the flow. If you need to have a duvet day, have a duvet day! Take some time out for yourself and try not to feel guilty about it.”